There’s a lot still to play out in free agency, but my early-line pick to win it all is the Capitals. Let’s look at them, and some other teams that should challenge the Penguins for NHL supremacy.

Capitals
The track the Capitals are on is similar to the one taken by the Stanley Cup champion Penguins. Washington, however, is maybe a year behind the Penguins’ progression so next season could be something very special for the Capitals. Washington took a big step last season in learning how to win in the playoffs. That puts the Capitals in terrific position to capture the Stanley Cup next season.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed Friday that next year’s cap will go up by $100,000 to $56.8-million in 2009-10.

Part of the reason for the growth is that the NHL Players’ Association decided to invoke a five per cent inflator, which was negotiated as part of the collective bargaining agreement.

added 4:21pm,

TORONTO/NEW YORK (June 26, 2009)—The National Hockey League Players’ Association and the National Hockey League announced today that the Team Payroll Range established for the 2009-10 League Year, pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provides for a Lower Limit of $40.8 million, an Adjusted Midpoint of $48.8 million and an Upper Limit of $56.8 million.

Another interesting rumor making the rounds was a possible Martin St. Louis move to the New York Rangers, where the veteran winger would be reunited with coach John Tortorella. But a source from one of the two teams told ESPN.com around 11:30 a.m. ET that nothing was in the works there, adding that both teams has not talked today. Another source was more succinct: “No way in hell.”

Meanwhile, Ottawa Senators GM Bryan Murray still had Dany Heatley on his roster as of 11:45 a.m. ET.

“I was hoping to hear from some teams this morning and I haven’t yet,” Murray told ESPN.com. “So I’m hoping that happens today. Perhaps it’ll heat up this afternoon going into tonight. I don’t know.”

We believe the Rangers aren’t done on this front. They like Heatley and may take another run at him.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray met with Niedermayer’s agent, Kevin Epp on Thursday night and spoke directly to his veteran defenceman, but wasn’t given an answer.

That answer is expected at some point today.

Sources say Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson also spoke with Niedermayer on Thursday and encouraged him to play next season and told him Canada considers him a key leader on the 2010 Canadian Olympic team.

If Niedermayer elects to play, there are no guarantees he will re-sign in Anaheim.

The Ducks should be considered the frontrunner, although San Jose, Vancouver and Calgary are also believed to have strong interest.

The NHL draft is intended to cure what ails sickly NHL also-rans. That much is plain. It’s also the best measure of the health of the major junior leagues.

The draft gives you a work-up on the vital signs of WHL, OHL and QMJHL and the most vital of all signs are the leagues’ top-end talent. If these leagues are attracting and developing elite teenagers, then all is well.

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